Chim future values
Discussion
I'm thinking about buying another TVR to take to pieces and rebuild over the next couple of years. I can neither afford nor have the skill to take a non-Rover V8 car apart so I'm looking at Griffs, Chims and maybe even S3s. It never hurts to look at things with a financial hat on so I'm trying to work out what is going to happen to the value of Chims in the future.
It seems to me that although they were produced in far greater numbers than the other cars there were a lot of 4 litre models sold and in general they are cars which often fall into the hands of people who can't afford to maintain them. I don't mean that in a bad way, but how often do you see a neglected Griff come up for sale? Add to this their very low value which means they often aren't worth repairing and I'm wondering if Chims are going to be the next model to start appreciating. Particularly the 4.5 and 5 litre models.
So what do we think? Worth a punt or will their relative abundance and the existence of the Griffith always keep values low?
It seems to me that although they were produced in far greater numbers than the other cars there were a lot of 4 litre models sold and in general they are cars which often fall into the hands of people who can't afford to maintain them. I don't mean that in a bad way, but how often do you see a neglected Griff come up for sale? Add to this their very low value which means they often aren't worth repairing and I'm wondering if Chims are going to be the next model to start appreciating. Particularly the 4.5 and 5 litre models.
So what do we think? Worth a punt or will their relative abundance and the existence of the Griffith always keep values low?
I would imagine the 500 Chim will hold up well, I believe they only made 600, so can't be that many still around. If it was a Griff/Chim thing only then for me it would have to be a pre-cat Griff or a 500 Chim, restored to original (not modded just for the sake of it), and were this the case I'd probably be more inclined to go Griff. Contrary to what I have done to my car I am a believer in originality. If I was going to take on a nut and bolt rebuild though with future values in mind I'd probably be looking for an M or a wedge, I think the rarity value will come into play over next few years....
Chilli
Chilli
Having owed a succesion of nearly new Jap performance cars (s2000,mr2,370z), the reason I got into TVR ownership was to avoid the pains of depreciation.
I think the value is pretty stable now for well looked after examples of Chimaeras and Griffiths, particularly if the chassis is sound and it looks the part. As for appreciating in value - not sure. I think the Chim and Griff 500's will be the true future classics, perhaps also the 450 and HC chims or precat Griffs.
Only time will tell but I don't think that we'll be doubling our money in ten years time.
I think the value is pretty stable now for well looked after examples of Chimaeras and Griffiths, particularly if the chassis is sound and it looks the part. As for appreciating in value - not sure. I think the Chim and Griff 500's will be the true future classics, perhaps also the 450 and HC chims or precat Griffs.
Only time will tell but I don't think that we'll be doubling our money in ten years time.
There certainly aren't many 500 Chims on the market at the moment so you could well be right. The problem with the Griff is finding one worth renovating. Most cars have very high asking prices already and the ceilings seem to be determined mostly by mileage. So if you buy a 'cheap' Griff it will probably have high-ish mileage which means it isn't worth renovating because regardless of condition the value will always be limited by that mileage.
Chims on the other hand appear to have more scope for appreciation given their current lower prices. But again, finding a 500 and to a lesser extent a 450 isn't easy. Take for example the 450 being discussed on another thread. At the very least it needs new outriggers, a new hood and in all honesty a respray. The seller says he'll take 5k for it. Do the repairs and you'll have a cracking condition 450 that is worth precisely what it's cost you because the 60k miles are limiting its value.
The more I look at this the more I can see why dealers make such low offers on cars they buy.
As I type this I'm thinking that I can't have it both ways. Either I get myself a wreck and enjoy the rebuild or I cough up big bucks for a low mileage car and repair it further down the line. Given my budget I think I only have one option.
Chims on the other hand appear to have more scope for appreciation given their current lower prices. But again, finding a 500 and to a lesser extent a 450 isn't easy. Take for example the 450 being discussed on another thread. At the very least it needs new outriggers, a new hood and in all honesty a respray. The seller says he'll take 5k for it. Do the repairs and you'll have a cracking condition 450 that is worth precisely what it's cost you because the 60k miles are limiting its value.
The more I look at this the more I can see why dealers make such low offers on cars they buy.
As I type this I'm thinking that I can't have it both ways. Either I get myself a wreck and enjoy the rebuild or I cough up big bucks for a low mileage car and repair it further down the line. Given my budget I think I only have one option.
SonicHedgeHog said:
As I type this I'm thinking that I can't have it both ways. Either I get myself a wreck and enjoy the rebuild or I cough up big bucks for a low mileage car and repair it further down the line. Given my budget I think I only have one option.
Sadly this is often the case. Those bargain barn finds are pretty rare!
Back in 2004 I found a 1995 Peugeot 106 Rallye (mk1). They only made 1000 of these and this one had less than 30k on the clock and was immaculate, on elderly lady owner and FSH (I kid you not). Got it for £900. 18 months happy motoring only needed a new calliper and Idle valve, sold it with 40k on the clock for £3000!
Never to be repeated I'm afraid.
IMO, good, solid cars will retain value.
As numbers continue to decrease values will probably settle, as those that are left will be well cared for examples.
I imagine that cars with connections to PW or Press cars will command the most, then the 500s. After that, hard to say if the 430s will be worth more than the 450s...
As numbers continue to decrease values will probably settle, as those that are left will be well cared for examples.
I imagine that cars with connections to PW or Press cars will command the most, then the 500s. After that, hard to say if the 430s will be worth more than the 450s...
I think you're both probably right. The chances of finding something special are close to nil and serious appreciation is probably out of the question for at least a decade. Although having said that if new cars continue to be largely boring who knows what demand might be like in the future.
I suppose that there is also a difference between asking price and sale price. You never know what people will take for their car until you start waving fivers under their nose.
I suppose that there is also a difference between asking price and sale price. You never know what people will take for their car until you start waving fivers under their nose.
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